Environment & Ecology2014
If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects disturbed by their movement through grasses. Which one of the following is/are such bird/birds?
- Painted Stork
- Common Myna
- Black-necked Crane
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
Explanation
The correct option is 2 only, the Common Myna. This bird is commonly observed in rural and urban areas and is known for its adaptability and opportunistic feeding behavior, often seen foraging for insects and other food items alongside livestock. In contrast, the Painted Stork and Black-necked Crane are primarily aquatic or wetland birds and do not typically exhibit the behavior of following cattle to catch insects, making the Common Myna the most relevant example in this context. Such ecological interactions illustrate the interdependence within ecosystems and can be important topics in environmental science and ecology, relevant to the UPSC syllabus.